Franklin: RFP for Emmons Street finalized

FRANKLIN — The Town Council at its next meeting will consider issuing a request for proposals to develop the town-owned property on the corner of Emmons Street.

A council subcommittee on Wednesday finalized the stipulations to be included in the RFP for 150 Emmons St. and set the minimum sale price for the nearly one-acre property at $475,000.

The purchaser must provide an easement to the town, preserve at least 7,000-square-feet for green space and demolish the existing building. The former town hall building still houses the Recreation Department; it’s unclear where its employees will move after the sale.

Councilors next meet on Sept. 17, when they will likely vote whether to send out the RFP.

The subcommittee opted not to prohibit a drive-thru at the site, believing that doing so would turn away potential developers.

However, committee members noted the town would be leery of plans calling for fast-food restaurants or coffee shops.

"There will be no drive-thru, no Dunkin’ Donuts, no fast-food restaurant, period," said Robert Vallee, the council’s chairman.

The easement will be used to build a statue of Horace Mann, an American education reformer with roots in Franklin, and perhaps a small sitting area with benches. By retaining ownership of that portion of the property, the town won’t have to rely on the developer to maintain it.

Joseph Halligan, vice chairman of the Planning Board, cautioned that requiring a developer to carve away 20 percent of the property for green space may be overly restrictive. Also, the town’s existing zoning restrictions relating to impervious surface makes the stipulation superfluous.

Other committee members disagreed, saying developers would overlook the request in favor of the chance to scoop up a prime downtown location.

"In my mind, this lot is one of the best in downtown Franklin," said councilor Matt Kelly. "Whoever goes there should be thankful they’re getting it."

Subcommittee chairman Glenn Jones added, "Whatever we decide for green space, whoever decides to build behind it will only benefit from the appearance of the corner. It truly is a great lot."

Matt Tota can be reached at 508-634-7521 or mtota@wickedlocal.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattTotaMDN